by Engine Problems in Hyundai Santa Fe
Owners of the 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe model have initiated a class action lawsuit against the automaker. They claim that the 3.3-liter Lambda II GDI V6 engine installed in their SUVs has design defects and is prone to catastrophic failures. This situation is another episode in a series of problems associated with this same engine, which was also used in some Kia models and was previously the subject of an investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Key Points of the Lawsuit
Specific Case History
The lawsuit was filed by Jason and Alison Burns, who purchased a used Santa Fe SE in May 2019 with 17,350 miles on the odometer. Almost five years later, in April 2024, their SUV allegedly stalled and lost power after the mileage reached 79,966 miles. An inspection revealed a hole in the engine block, likely caused by a broken connecting rod that detached inside the engine.
Warranty Issues and Hyundai’s Actions
That same year, Hyundai extended the limited warranty on 2014–2019 Santa Fe models to 15 years or 150,000 miles following the NHTSA investigation. The Burnses sent their damaged Santa Fe to the nearest dealership, which, according to the documents, refused to repair or replace the engine free of charge. They claim they only learned about the extended warranty in January of this year. After months of negotiations with the dealer, the couple agreed to sell their broken SUV for a small fraction of its value and purchase a new vehicle from the same dealer for approximately $30,000.
Claims Against the Manufacturer
The lawsuit alleges that Hyundai had long been aware of problems with the 3.3-liter engine, including reports of seizing and complete failures similar to what the Burnses experienced. The class action lawsuit adds that numerous customer complaints were received directly by Hyundai and the NHTSA, and several other lawsuits have been filed on this matter. According to the documents, Hyundai engaged in false and misleading advertising and violated several consumer protection laws, including the California Consumer Protection Act. The Burnses accuse the automaker of unfair and fraudulent business practices, as well as breaches of express and implied warranties. They are seeking compensation for damages and a court order requiring Hyundai to recall all affected engines.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency from automakers regarding technical issues, especially when they concern vehicle safety and durability. Extending the warranty may be a step forward, but late notification of owners about such changes can cause additional financial and emotional difficulties. Such cases also point to the need for enhanced oversight by regulatory bodies to prevent mass defects in the future.
